Is there gold in Alberta?

Yes, mostly as fine placer gold in North Saskatchewan River gravels between Devon and Elk Point (13.6–141 ppb). About one tonne has been produced since the 1860s. Shield rocks in the far north-east return grab samples up to 3.2 g/t.

Can you pan for gold in Alberta?

Recreational panning is common on the North Saskatchewan. Commercial placer recovery needs a placer licence (5 years, $50) and pays a 5% royalty, with the first ounce each year exempt. Collecting fossils, including ammonites, is restricted under the Historical Resources Act.

What gemstones are found in Alberta?

Ammolite from the Bearpaw Formation near Lethbridge is the only commercially mined gem. Diamonds occur in Buffalo Head Hills kimberlites at sub-economic grades so far, and agates and petrified wood turn up in river gravels.

INTERACTIVE MAP · PUBLIC DATA

Gold, gems and rockhounding in Alberta: map

Metallic and industrial mineral occurrences, the North Saskatchewan placer-gold reach, the St. Mary River ammolite zone and the Buffalo Head Hills kimberlites on one map.

Alberta's gold is fine placer 'flour gold' in North Saskatchewan gravels between Devon and Elk Point; about a tonne has been recovered since the 1860s. Ammolite, Alberta's official gemstone, comes almost entirely from one valley south of Lethbridge.

Open the interactive map ↗All Alberta maps

QUESTIONS THIS MAP ANSWERS

Frequently asked

Is there gold in Alberta?: Yes, mostly as fine placer gold in North Saskatchewan River gravels between Devon and Elk Point (13.6–141 ppb). About one tonne has been produced since the 1860s. Shield rocks in the far north-east return grab samples up to 3.2 g/t. More
Can you pan for gold in Alberta?: Recreational panning is common on the North Saskatchewan. Commercial placer recovery needs a placer licence (5 years, $50) and pays a 5% royalty, with the first ounce each year exempt. Collecting fossils, including ammonites, is restricted under the Historical Resources Act. More
What gemstones are found in Alberta?: Ammolite from the Bearpaw Formation near Lethbridge is the only commercially mined gem. Diamonds occur in Buffalo Head Hills kimberlites at sub-economic grades so far, and agates and petrified wood turn up in river gravels. More

DATA BEHIND THIS MAP (5)

Official sources

Metallic mineral occurrences (DIG 2019-0026)Alberta Geological Survey · Mineral occurrences · drawableKnown showings to anchor exploration models; density is highest on the Shield and Clear Hills.
Industrial mineral occurrences (DIG 2019-0027)Alberta Geological Survey · Mineral occurrences · drawableQuarry and industrial-mineral target inventory.
Kimberlite and ultrabasic intrusionsAlberta Geological Survey · Mineral occurrences · drawableKnown pipes; cluster geometry guides step-out targeting.
Surficial sand & gravel deposits (DIG 2015-0027)Alberta Geological Survey · Surficial geology · drawableDirect aggregate and placer target layer; also screens silica sand and construction supply near demand centres.
Ammonite shell agreementsAlberta Energy and Minerals · Mineral tenure · drawableAmmolite tenure along the St. Mary and Oldman rivers.

COMMODITY PROFILES

Reserves, value and feasibility

Gold Ammonite shell (ammolite)Diamonds Building & dimension stone

Operations on this map

Korite ammolite mines (St. Mary River)Industrial mineral · Korite International (Buffalo Rock Mining)Operating
Thunderstone Rundle rock quarry (Canmore)Quarry · Thunderstone QuarriesOperating
Buffalo Head Hills diamondsDiamond exploration · Star DiamondExploration

Frequently asked

Official sources

Reserves, value and feasibility

Operations on this map

Related maps